(OSRSG-CAAC) – “Sustainable peace can only come about if the children and youth of South Sudan are respected and have an opportunity to develop,” states Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and Forest Whitaker, Special Envoy for UNESCO, at the end of a joint visit in South Sudan. During their joint visit, they spoke with one voice about the importance of education, reconciliation and peace building as well as the protection of children affected by armed conflict.